Product dispenser and heater

ABSTRACT

A unit for electrically heating and dispensing products from pressurized containers. The unit receives a pressurized container, and, upon actuation of the container valve, directs the product through a series of passages, including one or more heating chambers, steam traps, and the like, to the outlet openings from which the product is dispensed. Depending on the predetermined configuration of the openings in the dispensing nozzle of an associated product container, the dispenser is adapted to direct the product into one or more heating chambers alternatively, or into two or more chambers simultaneously. Each heating chamber is formed in part by an exterior surface of a relatively massive heat sink unit having an electrical resistance heating element associated therewith and controlled by an adjustable thermostat. Electric current is supplied to the element and the control through a connector which affords mechanical strength, electrical insulation and which provides a water-tight connection. The passages directing the product to one or more of the heat exchangers are located within a cover element closely overlying the heat sink and the thermostat. Since typical products dispensed by the novel unit are highly viscous, the containers thereof should be stored in the inverted position and accordingly, containers are constructed so as to facilitate inverted storage and to prevent unintentional upright storage.

.United States Patent Doyle et a1.

[451 Sept. 11, 1973 1 PRODUCT DISPENSER AND HEATER [75] Inventors:Edward .1. Doyle, Hatboro; Richard S. Bagwell, Jr., Lancaster, both of[73] Assignee: Schick Incorporated, Lancaster, Pa. 221 Filed: Sept. 29,1970 211 Appl. No.: 76,454

[52] 11.8. Cl..... 222/146 HA,,222/l44.5, 222/402.1, 219/301 [51] Int.Cl B67d 5/62 [58] Field of Search 222/146 HE, 146 HA, 222/402, 402.1,402.11, 193, 183, 185, 146, 129,129.31, 481, 482, 162; 219/214, 296-299,307, 301-305,. 315, 319, 478; 137/341; 239/135 [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 2,815,889 12/1957 Stetz et a1. 222/189 3,406,90510/1968 Reilly et al.... 222/146 R 3,588,467 6/1971 Grosjeam. 239/135 X3,583,604 6/1971 Marand 222/193 I i i I 5 I [57] ABSTRACT A unit forelectrically heating and dispensing products from pressurizedcontainers. The unit receives a pressurized container, and, uponactuation of the container valve, directs the product through a seriesof passages, including one or more heating chambers, steam traps, andthe like, to the outlet openings from which the product is dispensed.Depending on the predetermined configuration of the openings in thedispensing nozzle of an associated product container, the dispenser isadapted to direct the product into one or more heating chambersalternatively, or into two or more chambers simultaneously. Each heatingchamber is formed in part by an exterior surface of a relatively massiveheat sink unit having an electrical resistance heating elementassociated therewith and controlled by an adjustable thermostat.Electric current is supplied to the element and the control through aconnector which affords mechanical strength, electrical insulation andwhich provides a water-tight connection. The passages directing theproduct to one or more of the heat exchangers are located within a coverelement closely overlying the heat sink and the thermostat. Sincetypical products dispensed by the novel unit are highly viscous, thecontainers thereof should be stored in the inverted position andaccordingly, containers are constructed so as to facilitate invertedstorage and to prevent unintentional upright storage.

16 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures 1 W it.

Patented Sept. 11, 1973 3,758,002

5 SheetsSheet 1 INVENTORS EDWARD J. DOYLE RICHA RD /j. BAGWSfiiI ATT'YSOPatented Sept. 11, 1973 3,758,002 7 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 l N VEN TORS EDWARDJ. DOYLE ICHARD S BAGW LJR. WWW

ATT'Ys:

Patented Sept. 11, 1973 l 3,758,002

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IIIIIIIII,

INVENTORS EDWARD J. DOYLE RICHARD S. BAGWELL,JR.

ATT'YS.

PRODUCT DISPENSER AND HEATER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The presentinvention relates to dispensable products, product containers, and toapparatuses and methods for heating and dispensing such products, frompressurized containers. More particularly, the invention is concernedwith dispenser units wherein two or more chambers are provided forheating the products so that such plural chambers may be usedsimultaneously to heat a portion of one individual product, and whereinonly one or less than all of the chambers may be used to heat aparticular product with the remaining chamber or chambers being used toheat other products.

Recently, dispensers have been made available which are adapted to heatproducts being dispensed from pressurized containers, such asvdispensers for shaving cream and the like. As the public has becomeaware of the availability of such devices, and as members of the publicbecome accustomed to the concept of using heated cosmetic products,including those applied professionally, such as those in barber shops,beauty parlors and the like, there has been an increased demand forproducts which can be applied in a heated condition and for effective,economical and reliable product heaters and dispensers which may be usedin the home with a variety of products. To date, the emphasis on suchproduct dispensers has generally centered around foamable shaving creamsand like shaving products, and most of the efforts in the field ofheating and dispensing products have been centered in this area. Suchfoam products are normally characterized by relatively good heatinsulation but low density and heat capacity. Accordingly, the use ofdispensers intended for heating shaving lathers, as a practical matter,has generally been confined to the use of these and similar products.Since there has thus been a need for dispensing only a single product,the problem of dispensing a sequence of different products, particularlyat different or potentially different rates, has not been presented.

However, in the field of cosmetics and other products primarily intendedto be used by women, it is not uncommon for a number of products to beused in succession, such as, for example, a user may wish to apply acleansing or conditioning cream to her face, and thereafter applymoisturizing or other facial lotion prior to the application of stillother cosmetics, such as colorants, powders, or the like. In some cases,these prod ucts are not compatible with each other, that is, one productshould be used and removed prior to the time another product is used,and therefore, these products should not come in contact with each otherprior to usage thereof.

Under these conditions, it may be thought that separate dispensersshould be used for each product, or that a dispenser should be cleanedafter use with one product and before another product is used therein.

Accordingly, a dispenser unit which might heat and dispense a pluralityof products in succession without the need for intermediate cleaning,and without operat ing in a manner such that the products wouldcontaminate one another, would be highly advantageous.

A dispenser of this type would also be particularly advantageous in theevent that plural chambers adapted to heat different products could alsobe used in common to heat the same product, if indicated by the desireof the user and the nature of the products.

A dispenser unit adapted to heat and dispense cosmetic products shouldalso desirably include sufficient heat capacity within a reasonablephysical size to heat normally used amounts of product in a singlechamber, or in several chambers, and would desirably be constructed sothat the sequence in which the products are directed to one, all or lessthan all of the chambers need not be determined by manipulations made bythe user, but would be determined by inherent or predeterminedcharacteristics of the dispenser, or the container holding the products,or both. An improved heated cosmetic dispenser would also advantageouslyinclude means for insuring that the product could be heated sufficientlyto be desirable without creating the danger of being overheated, andwould provide means for guiding the hand or fingers of the user inrelation to the product outlet so that the unit could be favorably andconveniently manipulated without the exercise of a great deal of skill.

Moreover, any such unit of this type would advantageously be relativelysimple, rugged, inexpensive and relatively free from the hazards offire, electrical shock or the like, particularly under the conditionsnormally expected to be encountered in the use of such unit, and toembody many or all of such features in a device which is estheticallypleasing and simple to load and unload.

Accordingly, in view of the foregoing desirable features of a dispenserfor heating and dispensing cosmetic and other products, and in view ofthe failure of prior art devices to provide some or all of theseadvantages and characteristic features, and other desired features, itis an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispenserfor heating and dispensing cosmetic products.

It is a further object to provide a heating dispenser having pluralheating chambers which may be used individually or in common for heatinga particular product.

A further object is to provide such a unit having means thereon forpreventing undesirable discharge therefrom of steam, overheated water orthe like created as an incident to heating the product prior to usethereof.

A further object is the provision of a dispenser having an improvedelectrical heating system, including means for locating and retainingthe electrical appliance cord in relation to the electrical componentsof the dispenser to provide ease of assembly, maximum mechanicalstrength and waterproof electrical insulation.

A further object is to provide a dispenser having a relatively massiveheat sink, whereby heat sufficient to warm a desired'amount of productmay be stored at a reasonable temperature.

A further object is to provide a system of chambers and passages adaptedto direct products from a container outlet nozzle into one or morepreselected particular heating chambers and thereafter to a productdischarge outlet.

A further object is the provision of an improved heat sink assemblyincorporating means for directing a fluent product in a desired path andheating the same to a desired temperature.

A still further object is the provision of a dispenser having meansforming a part thereof for selecting a desired product path and fordirecting the product through such path so as to direct a particularproduct to one or both of the chambers as desired.

A further object is the provision of a product container adapted for usewith such a dispenser, wherein the container includes means associatedtherewith for insuring that the product container is properly storeprior to usage thereof. r

A still further object is the provision of a dispenser which isconstructed and arranged to facilitate manipu lation thereof and adaptedto aid in positioning of the hands or fingers of the user so as toreceive the product dispensed therefrom.

A further object is the provision of a heat sink or heat exchangerassembly having means associated therewith for directing the productalong a plurality of surfaces thereof for absorbing heat therefrom in amost effective manner.

A further object is to provide a product container having a dispensingnozzle associated therewith which is characterized by outlet passagesadapted for cooper- I ation with other parts of the dispenser todetermine the path the product held in such container will take whilepassing through one or more heating chambers of an associated dispenser.

A still further object is the provision of a dispenser constructed ofeconomical but durable materials, and which is constructed and arrangedso as to be economically producted and assembled.

These objects and other inherent objects and advantages of the inventionare achieved by providing a dis penser which includes a series ofpassages, each including a heating chamber and an outlet with thepassages being arranged so that the product may be directed through allor less than all of the chambers, depending on the configuration of thedispensing nozzle of an associated container, means for electricallyheating the product under controlled conditions when the product passesthrough the chambers, and by providing containers especially adapted foruse with the dispenser of the invention.

The exact manner in which these and other inherent objects andadvantages of the invention are achieved in practice will become moreclearly apparent when reference is made to the accompanying detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and to theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicatecorresponding parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dispenscr of the invention with aproduct container received therein in position of use; I

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser and container ofthe invention, showing certain of the principal elements thereof;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view through the dispenser unit of theinvention, showing a product container associatedtherewith in positionof use;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the product receiving andheating assembly of the invention;

FIG. 5. is a horizontal sectional view of the dispenser unit, showing atop view of the product receiving and dispensing unit and taken alonglines 5- 5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view of the dispenser, showing theprincipal elements of the baseportion of the dispenser and taken alonglines 6-6 of FIG. .3;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the body of the heat sink of the dispenser;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the heat sink of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of oneembodiment of the container nozzle and product inlet body of theinvention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of another form ofcontainer nozzle and product inlet body of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary sectional view of another formof container nozzle and product inlet body of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a stillfurther modified form of container nozzle and product inlet body of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a greatly enlarged vertical sectional view of the productoutlet passage portion of the unit;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another form of heat sink which is usefulwith the dispenser of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the heat sink of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the heat sink unit of FIGS. 14 and15, showing the thermostatic control associated therewith; and

FIG. 17 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a portion of theelectrical connector used with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Y Although itwill be appreciated that the principles of the present invention may beapplied to a number of different forms of dispensing units, theinvention will be described with particular reference to exemplaryembodiments wherein the dispenser unit receives a pressurized containerin an upper portion thereof, wherein the product is discharged underpressure from the container and thereupon passes through an inlet areato one or more heating chambers within a heating assembly to emerge fromassociated dispensing openings disposed in the lower portion of theunit.

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail and in particularto'FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispenser unit according to the invention is shownto include a skirt portion 32 of generally inverted frustoconical shape,and having an upper margin 34 thereof defining an opening 36 in whichthe major portion of the body 38 of an associated container unit 40 isreceived. Characteristically, the container 40 includes a top cover 42and a lower cover or overcap portion 44 which is removable,

and which, when the container is stored, covers a nozzle 46 having oneor more openings 48 through which the product is dispensed. Disposedwithin a lower portion of the skirt 32 is a product receiving andheating assembly 50 generally shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, thisassembly 50 includes a product receiving and heating. assembly coverelement 52 having an inlet body portion 54, a two-piece gasket assembly56 and a heat sink assembly 58. As will be set forth in further detailherein, the inlet portion 54 of the product receiving and heatingassembly 50 includes means for directing the product to one or moreheating chambers within the assembly 50 either simultaneously orsequentially.

Another major portion of the unit 30 is the base 60 (FIGS. 1 and 2)which includes wall portions 62 defining a re-entrant portion 64 thereinfor reception of the user's hand or fingers, and an upper portion 66adapted to engage the lower portion of the skirt 32 in a lockingrelation. Another principal element of the base 60 is the means in theform of two or more outlet passages 68, 70 for connecting the productoutlets 72 in the heat sink assembly 58 to the product outlets 74 in thebase. The purpose of passages 68, 70 will be set forth in detail as thedescription proceeds. In addition to a bottom cover plate 76, thedispenser unit 30 also includes control means 78 for the heater, and awindow 80, for viewing an indicator showing that the heate'ris inoperation. The heat sink assembly 58 also includes a thermostaticcontrol unit 82 (FIG. 4) and a heating element 84, the construction ofwhich will be described in further detail herein. A novel electricalconnector assembly 86, which will be described in detail herein, isprovided for adding structural integrity and water resistance to theelectrical elements of the dispenser 30.

Referring now in particular to the container 40, it will be noted thatthe top cover 42 contains a rounded top surface portion 88, and that theovercap 44 contains a flat bottom surface portion90. Thus, the container40 with the overcap 44 thereon will stand withoutexternal support in theinverted position when not received in the dispenser 30'and cannot bestored upright without external support. The container 40 is constructedin this manner because, inasmuch as the product to be dispensed isnormally somewhat fluent but still highly viscous, and since the productflows into the nozzle 46 from the portion of the container most closelyadjacent thereto, it is essential that the container be stored in theinverted position, at least for some time prior to use thereof. On theother hand, if the container 40 were stored with the valve nozzle 46directed upwardly, the product would settle in the lowermost portion ofthe can and, if the container 40 were then placed in the dispenser unit30 and the valve 46 immediatey actuated, the propellant gas wouldundesirably-escape from the nozzle 46 prior to the time product wouldhave an opportunity to flow downwardly in the can to the area adjacentthe valve.

This contingency is therefore conveniently avoided Beneath the gasketassembly 56 is the heat sink assembly 58 which includes the thermostatunit 82 as well as a heat sink body 106 having lower wall portions 108defining a recess 110 for receiving the heating element 84. As shown inFIG. 4 for example, pairs of lands 112,

114 extend upwardly from the upper surface 1 16 of the the bottom wallsrespectively of a pair of heating chambers 12-2, 124, the top surfacesof which are defined by the lower surfaces of the Mylar lower gasket104. At one end of each chamber 122, 124, is a heat sink product outlet72, while passages formed in part by openings 126, 128 in the gasketassembly 56 provide inlets to the heating chambers 122', 124.Accordingly, it will be seen that the body 106 of the heat sink assembly58 includes means for directing a fluentproduct along a path ofrelatively great surface area and through openings or outlets adapted tocommunicate with the ultimate product outlets 74 (FIG. 3).

Referring now to another feature of the invention, it will be noted thatcurrent flow to the heating element 84, which is preferablypottedinplace within the recess 110with a thermally conductive cement 130 iscontrolled by the thermostat 82. The thermostat 82 is conventional andincludes a flexible bimetallic lower eleby sufficiently rounding the topsurface 88 of the cover 42 so that the container 40 will not standupright without support, and by providing a flat surface 90 on theovercap 44, thus assuring that the container is not inadvertently storedin the upright position.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-8, a number of the other features of theconstruction of the dispenser unit 30 will be described. Referringparticularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be noted that the skirt' 32includes an inner,

generally cylindrical collar 92 for guiding the container body 38 sothat the nozzle 46 will be in at least an approximate position ofregistry with the opening 94 in the inlet body portion 54 of the productreceiving and heating assembly 50. A plurality of ribs 96 are alsoprovided and extend inwardly from the skirt 32 to provide additionalstiffness therefon'lhe inlet body portion 54 is surmounted by agenerally inverted frusto-con'ical metal cover 93 which serves to guidethe nozzle 46 into the opening 94, and also serves to hold the O-ring100 in place within the body 54. Disposed below the inlet body 54 is agasket assembly 56 comprises of an upper, relatively resilient gasket102, preferably formed of rubber or the like, and a thin, lower gasket104 formed of a relatively inert material such as Mylar" (polyethyleneterephthalate) or the like.

ment 132, a pair of blades 134, 136 having contact point portions 138respectively thereon, with the element 132 having at one end thereof anelectrically insulating post 140 contacting an end of the upper blade136. Accordingly, upward movement of the end of the element 132will'raise the end of the blade 136 upwardly a sufficient amount to openthe contact points 138, thereby interrupting current flow into theheating element 84. On the other hand, any temperature which isinsufficient to cause bending of element 132 to this extent will premitcontinuedcurrent flow in the element 84 so as to maintain or increasethe temperature in the heat sink body 106. In the illustrated embodiment(FIG.- 2), the thermostat control assembly 78 includes a thermostatactuating slide 142 having an indicator 144 thereon, an arcuate upperguide portion 144 and a post 146 which is adapted to be received in theslot 148 of a pivoted yoke 150. A keyed end portion 152 (FIG. 4) on theyoke registers with a notched sleeve 154 which passes through a threadedopening in a rigid arm 156forming a part of the thermostat 82. The lowerend portion 158 of the sleeve l54 engages the lower blade 134 of thethermostat 82, so that the degree of movement of bimetal element 132 andthe upper blade 136 necessary to opening the. contact points 138 may bechanged to establish the temperature to which the product will beheated, in keeping with the preference of the user, and the nature ofthe product being used. Accordingly, moving the indicator 144 arcuatelyfrom side to side will move the yoke 150 and raise or lower the blade136 in the thermostat 82.-

The actuator slide is received along the lower portion thereof in a slot160 in the base 60, and the upper portion 147 of the slide is guidinglyreceived in the relieved portion 7 162 of the heating assembly cover 52.The metal cover plate 164 held over the cover 52 by fasteners 166, 168overlies one of the surfaces defining the upper portion 147 of theactuator slide 142, forming a slide way for the slide 142. l

' Referring now to other electrical components of the invention, FIG. 7shows that a pair of ears 170, 172 are provided for receiving conductors174, 176 which are associated respectively with one of the lead-in wiresextending to the connector assembly 86, and with one of the leads to theheating element 84. In indicator light 178, which is disposed in usebehind the lens 80 has thin leads 180 attached thereto across orparallel to the heavier wires 176, 182 leading to the heating element84. Thus, the thermostat is in series with the heating element, and theindicator light 178 is parallel to the element 84 but is also in serieswith the thermostat.

Another important feature of the electrical system of the invention isthe manner in which the cord 184 is secured in place within the bottom.wall 186 of the base 60 by the connector assembly 86 to'provide properelectrical connections to the lines 176, 182 (see-FIG.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 3, 4 and 17, it will be noted thatthisconnector assembly 86 includes a stiff but resilient outer segment188, and a similarly constructed inner element 190 joined to the element188 except communication which might be established by way of thepassage 208 and the openings 210, 214. Ac-

by a reduced diameter neck portion 192. The exterior insulating portionsof the cord and wires 184, 176, 182 respectively are bonded to theelements 188, 190, 192 in an electrically insulating,.mechanicallystrong and water-tight relation. The neck 192 is snugly received bywalls 194 defining an opening in the wall 186,.while a stiff, generallyU-shaped clip 196 is'wedged between an axially facing surface of theelement 190 and the inside surface of the wall 186. A circular ridge 198prevents the clip 196 from being removed, and a liquid-tight seal isthus provided between an axial inner face of the element 188 and theouter surface of the wall 186. Thus, this construction is simple andinexpensive, but it pro.- vides the simultaneous features ofwaterproofing, freedom from the likelihood of unlocking, and greatmechanical strength, so that pulling forces on the cord 184 are nottransmitted to any of the more delicate interior electrical connections.

Referring now to other important construction features of the dispenserunit 30, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the product inlet body portion 54of the cover 52 wherein the nozzle portion 46 of an associated container40 is received in an axially extending opening 94 which includes meansin the form of an O-ring 100 adapted to engage the nozzle 46 in a snugrelation. As shown, this ring 100 is' snugly received within an annulargroove 200 within the opening 94.

Located beneath a reduced diameter portion 202 of the opening 94 is anannular groove 204 communicating with a passageway 206 which terminatesin one product heating chamber 124. As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 9,a bore 208 extends axially of the nozzle 46 to allow passage of producttherethrough, with the pas sage 208 having an axial end opening 210therein and a radially extending passage 121 intersectingthevbore 208and terminating in a radially directed opening 214 therein. It should beunderstood that, in use, the nozzle 46 will always includeythe bore 208,but that this bore may be provided only with an axial outlet 210, oronly with the radial outlet'214, or with both'outlets 210, 214, forreasons which will not be set forth. As shown in FIG. 9, chamber 122communicates with the openings 126 in the gasket assembly 56, theopenings 126 defining, at least in part, a passage to the chamber 122.In keeping with the invention, assuming that the nozzle portion 46 of acontainer is positioned as shown, therev is no communication betweenchamber-B124 and 126,

cordingly, assuming that only the opening 210 is provided, any productflowing through passage 208 would be discharged into chamber 122 andchamber 124 would not receive any product, since passage 206 and theannular groove 204 are totally'blocked by the exterior walls of thenozzle 46.

On the other hand, assuming that outlet 210 is not present, but thatonly radially directed openings 214 is provided, any product passingthrough the axial bore 208 would flow through passage 206 and intochamber 124, while the bottom portion of the nozzle 46, beingimperforate in this example, would block access to chamber 122. Underthe foregoing circumstances, it can be seen that, in the first case,product would pass into chamber 122 and out the left hand productdispensing opening 74 only, while, in the second case, product wouldpass through chamber 124 and out the right hand product. outlet opening74. On the other hand, a nozzle 46 having both radial and axial outlets210, 214 would permit product to flow simultaneously into both chambers122, 124 and simultaneously out both openings 74. From the foregoing, itwill'be seen that the construction 'of the product inlet assemblyso asto have plural individual passages, each adapted to communicate with anindividual chamber and adapted at the opposite ends thereof to registeronly with a particular portion of the nozzle-receiving opening, makes itpossible to dermine in advance whether one or more chambers will be usedto heat the product, and which of the several chambers will be used forthis purpose, merely bythe location of the openings in the containernozzle 46. Therefore, the paths to be taken by the individual productsmay be coded or programmed in such a way that'therej will be nopossibility ,of antagonistic products being passed into the samechamber. Furthermore, the dispensing volumemay be controlled by providing a multiple outlet nozzle for products desired to be dispensed inhigher volume, and single outlet nozzles for products desired to bedispensed in lower volumes, all without altering the rate at which theprodv ucts pass through the individual heating chambers.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an embodiment is shown wherein the elementsare similar to their counterparts in FIG. 9 except that a taperedshoulder 216 forms a part of the passage 218 associated with the heatingchamber 122. Accordingly, this shoulder 126 forms a good seal with theend portion of the nozzle 46 and provides resistance to axial movementof the nozzle 46 so that a force applied axially to the can will movethe can relative to the nozzle an actuate thecontainer valve fordispensing purposes. In this embodiment, it will be noted that since thegroove 204 extends fully around the nozzle 46 there will becommunicationbetween the bore 208 of the nozzle 46 and the passage 206even though the radial outlet 214 is disposed oppositely to or out ofregistry with the passage 206. In this manner, it is not necessary toorient the container before insert ing it into theopening 36 in theskirt 32. The embodiment of FIG. 10 is advantageously used with nozzleshaving axial openings only, radial openings only, or both, and thefunction thereof is the same as the functioning of the embodiment shownin FIG. 9

FIG. 11 shows a construction wherein an insert nozzle seat 220 having ashoulder 216 therein isprovided,

and this illustration shows a construction wherein an annular gasket 222provides a seal between the groove 200 receiving the O-ring 100 and thegroove 204 forming a part of passage 206.

Referring now to FIG. 12, it will be noted that, in addition to thegroove 200 and the O -ring 100, a second groove 224 having an O-ring 226therein is provided, and that a third annular groove 228 has beenconstructed for registry with a third passage 230 which extends to andcommunicates with a third heating chamber somewhat schematically shownat 232. In this illustration, passages 206 and 218 are shownrespectively to be associated with heating chambers 124 and 122. In anyor' all of the constructions shown in FIGS. 9-12, the cover 98 may formthe top portion of the body 54 and may serve to retain the ring 100 inplace. The function of the product inlet assembly of the type shown inFIG. 12 is the same as thatof the embodiments thereof shown in FIGS.9-11, except that a second radial passage 234 is provided in the nozzle46, and the heat sink assembly 58 may be equipped with a third chamber.It will be apparent that, in this form of construction, a number ofnozzle configurations may be provided so that the product may bedirected to one chamber, two chambers or three chambers, and thatthreedifferent combinations of two chambers may be provided for, thatis, a product might pass through first and second chambers, only firstand third chambers only, or second and third chambers only. The otherfeatures inherent in the construction of the counterparts of theelements shown in FIG. 12, such as the feature of control of dispensingrate, etc., are also inherently associated with the construction of FIG.12, and it may be appreciated that any reasonable number of otherpassages may be provided for communication between nozzle outlets andheating chambers associated with passages disposed in the nozzlereceiver Referring now to another important feature of the dispenser ofthe invention, FIG. 13 shows in detail the construction of a preferredform of product outlet passage 68 which is disposed between the heatsink product outlets 72 and the product outlet 74 in the base. It willbe understood that the outlet passage 70 is constructed and arranged inthe same manner as the passage 68, and that, if additional passages areprovided, they may be constructed in the same manner. This passage 68 isshown to he defined by an upper surface 236 of an absorbent gasket 240and the lower surface por-' tion 238 of the heat sink body 106. Thegasket 240 is held firmly in place between lands 242 formed on the lowersurface of the heat sink body 106, and extending downwardly therefrom,and generally congruent but larger lands 244 extending upwardly from thebase 66 and also partially defining the chamber 68. Thus, referring toFIGS. 6 and 8, it will be noted that the lands 242, 244 are disposed onsurfaces which are oppositely directed in use, whereby, as the heat sinkbody 106 is forced downwardly into a snug, closely overlying reladantrisk of discomfort or harm to the user. Accord ingly, these chambers maybe considered in. one sense as steam or vapor traps. Typically, in use,the product outlet passages 68, provide an expansion chamber effectpermitting the entry velocity of the product being dispensed to bereduced as it passes through the chamber. Furthermore, the increasedsurface area of the passages 68, 70 affords an opportunity for watervapor or the like to condense, and condensation is also favored by thedirectional changes required for the product to traverse the outlet 72the chambers 68, 60 and the outlets 74. In addition, the gasket 240,which is preferably of a sponge rubber or other porous material, helpsto condense and absorb vapors. It has been found that very thin, fluentproducts, such as water, are more easily absorbed into the sponge gasket240' than are viscous, less fluent products, and once the more fluentproduct is absorbed, its rapid passage toward the outlet opening 74 issubstantially impeded. or stopped. Accordingly, water and steam whichmight be separated from an emulsified product for example, tend to beseparated from and/or cooled in these passages 68,

.70 in relation to the remainder of the product. Thus,

the construction of these or similar forms of product outlet passages isan important feature of the invention.

Referring again to FIG. 13, it will be noted that the two gaskets 102,104 are disposed in a closely overlying relation, and that one of theproduct chambers 1 l2 lying upstream of passage 72 is defined by lands112, which extends somewhat circuitously along thetopsurface 118 of theheat sink body 106.

Referring now to FIG. 3, certain other features of construction of thedispenser of the invention and the operation of the dispenser are shownfor easy understanding thereof. Thus,-as shown in FIG. 3, the base unit60 supports the assembly which rests on feet 246, preferably made ofrubber or the like. Thecover 52 is held snugly in place over the body106 of the heat sink assembly 58 by fastening means in the form ofscrews .248. In this manner, the gaskets 102, l03-and 104 are tightlycompressed and the heating chambers 122, 124 are partially defined inthis manner. The actuator slide 142, the yoke 150 and the associatedcomponents are fixed in relation to the thermostat assembly by thefasteners 166, 168 (FIG. 4) and by the above described engagement of theportions of the slide 142 with portions of the base 60 and the coverelement 52. The skirt 32 is snapped into position over the base byengagement of snaps 250 on the lower portions thereof with theprojections 252 (FIG. 2) on the upper portion 66 of the base 60.

In the use of the dispenser, the lower portion of the nozzle 46 rests onthe shoulder 216 within the inlet body 54, whereby the container 40 issupported by the nozzle 46. When it is desired to dispense the product,downward force is manually exerted on the top cover 42 of the container40, thereby actuating the container valve and allowing product to bedispensed therefrom. For purposes of illustration, it will be assumedthat the nozzle 46 includes an axially facing central opening 210permitting the product to flow therethrough and into oneof the chambers122 as well as a radially directed opening 214 permitting the product toflow into another chamber 124. The gasket ring prevents the product fromflowing upwardly over the cover 98. Assuming that the heating element 84has been energized, and that the heat sink body 106 has attained thedesired temperature, the product, under the pressurizing force of thepropellent in the container 40 is pushed rapidly through the chambers122, 124 which are of narrow ill cross section and which havesignificant portions of their surfaces formed, by the top surfaces 11%,12th of the heat sink body 106. Thereafter, the product flows verticallythrough the body outlet 72 and into the passages or expansion chambers68, 70 and out the dispensing openings 74. During the time the heatingelement 84 is energized, the light 178, which may be viewed through thewindow 80, is illuminated. Temperature adjustments are made bymanipulating the indicator B414 on the thermostat actuating slide 142.

in the event that only one, or less than all possible openings 2M, 2M,23. are provided in the nozzle 46, only the chamber or chambersassociated with the passage or passages in registry with the openingwill be used. Removal and replacement of such container with anothercontainer having different outlet configuration will result in the useof a different chamber or combination of chambers.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, a different form of heat sink assembly 260is shown. in this construction, a two piece heat sink body 262 isprovided, which has a thermostat assembly 264 disposed atop the upperhalf 266 thereof. in this embodiment, however, the heating element 268is held between upperand lower pieces 266, 279 of the body, andelectrical leads 272 supply current to the element 268. In theconstruction of FIGS. 14-16, the path taken by the products is somewhatelongated in relation to the path taken by products passing along theheat sink of the form shown in FIGS. 7 and g, for example. Inparticular, the product chambers are defined not only by upwardly facingrecessed surfaces 274, 276 forming a portion of the heat sink topsurface 278, but also by downwardly facing recessed surfaces 2&0, 282lying on the bottom surface 284 of the lower piece 270. A verticallyextending passage 286 is provided for each of the chambers in order toconnect the surface 274 to the surface 280, and the surface 276 tothe'surface 282, for example. Referring to FIG. 14, for example, it willbe noted that an elongated travel path for the product is provided sincethe areas 2&8, 2%0 initially receive the product, and the product mustthen follow the path defined by the recessed surfaces 274, 276 passthrough the openings 286' and traverse the entire extent of surfaces280, 282 to reach the areas 292, 294 which lie adjacent the productoutlet openings. This form of heat sink may be used in a constructionwherein the product has a relatively higher specific heat, or in aconstruction wherein the heatsink may be desired to be kept at asomewhat lower temperaturethan in the other form .of heatsink. Thisconstruction may. also be desired in the event that a form or otherexpansible product is dispensed and wherein it is desired to provideheated surfaces for contacting the product during or after expansionthereof to compensate for the heat absorbed in product foaming or thelike. in other respects, the modified form of heat sink assembly 2&0 isgenerally similar to its counterpart shown in FIGS. '7 and 8, that is,the thermostat assembly 26d also includes ears 296 for receivingelectrical connectors, and an adjustment screw 298 is provided foradjusting the initial clearance between the electrical contact points300 to adjust the temperature at which the heating element 286 isenergized and tie-energized.

Although the material from which the various elements of the dispenserare made do not form an essential part of the invention, certainmaterials are advantageously used in the construction of the containersand The skirt 32 may be comprised of ahigh impact polystyrene ormodified polystyrene material. The base unit comprises a moldablethermoplastic, material, such as a General Electric Noryl resin, and theheat sink cover 52 may be made of the same or similar material.

The heat sink body 106 is preferably die cast aluminum, while theheating element 84 is typically a high resistance electrical wirematerial such as Nichrome encased within a ceramic material having highdielectric strength. The bottom cover 76 may be a zinc plated steel,while the actuator slide 142, yoke 150 and the like are preferably madeof a strong synthetic plastic material such as a polycarbonate, anacetal, or the like.

The thermostat and other electrically conductive elements are-preferablymade from steel, while the upper gasket 102 is a rubber material such asNeoprene, the

lower gasket 1104 is Mylar, and the ring gasket 1103 disposed in thegroove 105 may also be a Neoprene material. The connector assembly 86 ispreferably a rubber ,or rubber-like material while the non-metallicportions of the appliance cord 18 are preferably polyvinyl chloride. Inone embodiment, the unit is operated on 110 volt alternating current,although the unit may operate effectively at other ratings and may beadapted to operate on direct current if desired.

As pointed out above, the dispenser of the invention is advantageouslyadapted to heat and dispense creams, jellies, emulsions and the like, aswell as foamed or foamable products suitable for a wide variety of uses.Such products includebut are not limited to women's cosmetic products,such as skin creams, moisturizers,

' and products used in facial treatment generally, as well as othercosmetic products, medical first aid products and other products.

Whereas, the unit operates excellently with nonfoamed products, thedesign of the unit of the invention is such that it also operates verywell with foamed and foamable products, including shaving preparationsand the like, and also including compositions having blowing or foamingagents therein, even whose rate of evaporation may be significantly orgreatly increased by the application thereto of raised temperatures.

From a consideration of the foregoing detailed description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, it may be seen that the presentinvention provides a novel dispenser, container, and method having anumber of advantages and characteristics, including those herein pointedout and others which are inherent in the invention. It will also beapparent that various modifications and changes may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the'spirit of the invention orthe'scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

11. A dispenser unit for containers which containers have a plurality ofspaced-apart product dispensing outlet locations on a dispensing outletportion thereof in respective predetermined positions on the dispensingoutlet portion, at least one of which positions has a is individually inregister'with a respective dispensing outlet position on said containerreceived therein, a plurality of product heating chambers and a heatingunit operatively associated with saidchambers, a product outlet passageextending from each of said chambers, each of said outlet passageshaving an end portion defining a product outlet, and plural separatedirecting means for directing product from respective inlet portionssaid container receiving means to respective heating chambers and beingthereby adapted to direct product from said respective inlet portions ofsaid container receiving means with which said directing means is inregistry to said chamber associated with said directing means.

2. A dispenser unit as defined in claim 1 which further includes meanstherein for forming a product-tight seal between an exterior portion ofsiad receiving means and the portion of said container which isassociated in use with said container receiving means.

3. A product inlet assembly for a dispenser unit, said assemblyincluding means for receiving the dispensing outlet portion of a productcontainer which has a plurality of dispensing outlets in respectivepredetermined spaced-apart positions on said dispensing outlet portion,a plurality of passages, each communicating on one end thereof with aproduct heating chamber and on the other end thereof only with a givenoutlet of said container outlet portion-receiving means so that each ofsaid'passages will register only with a respective dispensing outlet ina predetermined position on said dispensing outlet portion, wherebyproduct passing through a given outlet on said container will bedirected through its respective passage only to itsrespective heatingchamber communicating with its respective passage.

4. A product inlet assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said containeroutlet receiving'portion is in the form of an axial-bore, in which oneof said passage ends is disposed at the inner axial end of said bore,and wherein means are further provided for preventing further axialinward movement of said container outlet portion so as to permitactuation of said container valve by applying an axial force to saidoutlet portion.

5. A dispenser unit comprising, in combination, means for receiving apressurized container of a product to be dispensed, a plurality ofheating chambers and a heating unit operatively associated therewith,plural means for directing said product from said receiving means intoeach of said chambers, said directing means being arranged within saidreceiving means so as to be able to direct said product to all of saidchambers as well as to less than all of said chambers, and a productoutlet passagefor each of said chambers, each of said passagesterminating in a product outlet.

6. A product heater and dispenser unit comprising, in combination, acontainer having a dispensing nozzle with a plurality of spaced-apartproduct outlet portions, at least one of which has a product dispensingoutlet therein, means for supporting said container in a position of useat least partially within said unit, nozzle receiving means forreceiving at'least part of the dispensing nozzle of said associatedcontainer, the nozzlereceiving means having different portions thereofpositioned to register with respective spaced-apart product outletportions of the dispensing nozzle, plural passages individuallyextending from respective different portions of said nozzle receivingmeans, means defining a plurality of heating chambers to which saidproduct may be directed, each of said passages being in communicationwith a respective one of said chambers, heat generating means, heatstorage means forming'a part of each of said heating chambers forsupplying heat to products passing therethrough, and passagesterminating in product outlet openings extending from said heatingchambers to the exterior of said dispensing unit for dispensing a heatedproduct from said opening.

7. A unit as defined in claim 6 in which said means for receiving saidportion of said dispensing nozzle comprises an axially extending borehaving at least oneenlarged diameter groove therein spaced axially apartfrom the inner end of said bore.

8. A unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said plurality of heatingchambers comprises three heating chambers.

9. A unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said heat storage means is inthe form of a massive alumimum heat sink substantially surrounding saidheat generating means.

10. A unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said passages extending fromsaid heating chambers to said outlet openings include at least oneexpansion chamber therein, said expansion chamber providing means forinducing the condensation of vapor passing therethrough and for reducingthe temperature of said product passing therethrough. I l l 11. 'Adispenser unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said-heat storage means isin the form of a massive heat sink having upper and lower face portionsand at least one passage; extending therethrough between said faceportions, at least parts of said upper and lower face portions and saidopening forming portions of said heating chambers, whereby said productpassing through said heating chambers pass along and in contact with onboth the upper and lower face portions of said'heat sink.

12. A dispenser unit comprising, in combination, means for receiving acontainer of a product to be dispensed, a plurality of product heatingchambers and a heating unit operatively associated with said chambers, aproduct outlet passage extending from each of said chambers, each ofsaid outlet passages having an end portion defining a product outlet,and means for directing product from said container receiving means to.each of said chambers, each of said directing means having a portionthereof which is in registry with a given portion of said containerreceiving means and being thereby adapted to direct product from saidgiven portion of said container receiving means with which saiddirecting means is in registry to said chamber associated with saiddirecting means, said means for receiving said portion of said containerbeing in the form of an axially extending bore adapted-to be subdividedinto a plurality of separate areas by reception therein of a generallycylindrical dispenser nozzle, each of said areasbeing then associated inuse with a predetermined one of said directingmeans. I

13. A dispenser unit comprising, in combination, means for receiving acontainer of a product to be dispensed, a plurality of product heatingchambers and a heating unitoperatively associated with said chambers,

-a product outlet passage extending from each of said chambers, each ofsaid outlet passages having an end portion defining a product outlet,and means for directing product from said container receiving means toeach of said chambers, each of said directing means having a portionthereof which is in registry with a given portion 'of said containerreceiving means and being thereby adapted to direct product from saidgiven portion of said container receiving means with which saiddirecting means is in.registry to said chamber associated with saiddirecting means, said container receiving means being in the-form of anaxially extending bore, and at least one of said directing means beingin the form of a passage having a portion thereon in registry with anaxial end of said bore in which said axial bore includes a groovetherein of enlarged diame- .ter and spaced axially apart from said endof said bore, and at least one other of said directing means being intheform of a passage having a portion thereon in registry with an axial endof said bore in which said axial bore includes a groove therein ofenlarged diameter and spaced axially apart from said end of said bore,and at least one other of said directing means being in the form of apassage having a portion thereof in registry with said groove.

tion defining a product outlet and means for directing product from saidcontainer receiving means to each of said chambers, each of saiddirecting means having a portion thereof which is in registry with agiven portion of said container receiving means and-being therebyadapted to direct product from said given portion of said .containerreceiving means with which said directing means is in registry to saidchainber associated with said directing means, said container outletreceiving portion being in the form of an axial bore defined by wallportions, in which said bore includes an annular groove of enlargeddiameter, said passage end associated with one of said chambers being inregistry with said groove, whereby said passage end will be'placed ineffective communication with a dispensing outlet in said outlet portionwhich is in axial registry with said groove, regardless of the radialorientation of said outlet portion.

H5. A product heater and dispenser unit comprising,

in combination, means for supporting a container in a position of use atleast partially within said unit, means for receiving at least a portionof the dispensing nozzle of said associated container, plural passagesextending from different portions of said nozzle receiving means, meansdefining a plurality of heating chambers to which said product may bedirected, each of said passages being in communication with one of saidchambers, heat generating means, heat storage means forming a part ofeach of said heating chambers for supplying heat to products passingtherethrough, and passages terminating in product outlet openingsextending from said heating chambers to the exterior of said dispensingunit for dispensing a heated product from said opening, said outletopenings being formed in a reentrant porfor receiving at least a portionof the dispensing nozzle of said associated container, plural passagesextending from different portions of said nozzle receiving means, meansdefining a plurality of heating chambers to which said product may bedirected, each of said passages being in communication with one of saidchambers, heat generating means, heat storage means forming a partofeach of said heating chambers for supplying heat to products passingthereth'rough, and passages terminating in product outlet openingsextending from said heating chambers to the exterior of said dispensingunit for dispensing arheated product from said opening, said dispenserunit including a base portion having a bottom wall with an openingtherein, wherein means are provided for energizing said heat generatingmeans, and wherein said energizing means includes a connector assemblyhaving two generally oppositely axially facing, stiff but resilientportions separated from each other by a reduced diameter neck portion,and wherein said connector assembly is disposed within said opening withsaid neck portion being in registry with said opening, said connectorassembly further including a means resting on said wall and urging atleast one of said axially facing portions of said connector assemblyinto snug engagement with a face of said bottom wall portion.

1. A dispenser unit for containers which containers have a plurality ofspaced-apart product dispensing outlet locations on a dispensing outletportion thereof in respective predetermined positions on the dispensingoutlet portion, at least one of which positions has a product dispensingoutlet therein comprising, in combination, container receiving means forreceiving said outlet portion of said container of a product to bedispensed, the container receiving means having plural separate productinlet portions thereof, each of which is individually in register with arespective dispensing outlet position on said container receivedtherein, a plurAlity of product heating chambers and a heating unitoperatively associated with said chambers, a product outlet passageextending from each of said chambers, each of said outlet passageshaving an end portion defining a product outlet, and plural separatedirecting means for directing product from respective inlet portionssaid container receiving means to respective heating chambers and beingthereby adapted to direct product from said respective inlet portions ofsaid container receiving means with which said directing means is inregistry to said chamber associated with said directing means.
 2. Adispenser unit as defined in claim 1 which further includes meanstherein for forming a product-tight seal between an exterior portion ofsiad receiving means and the portion of said container which isassociated in use with said container receiving means.
 3. A productinlet assembly for a dispenser unit, said assembly including means forreceiving the dispensing outlet portion of a product container which hasa plurality of dispensing outlets in respective predeterminedspaced-apart positions on said dispensing outlet portion, a plurality ofpassages, each communicating on one end thereof with a product heatingchamber and on the other end thereof only with a given outlet of saidcontainer outlet portion-receiving means so that each of said passageswill register only with a respective dispensing outlet in apredetermined position on said dispensing outlet portion, wherebyproduct passing through a given outlet on said container will bedirected through its respective passage only to its respective heatingchamber communicating with its respective passage.
 4. A product inletassembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said container outlet receivingportion is in the form of an axial bore, in which one of said passageends is disposed at the inner axial end of said bore, and wherein meansare further provided for preventing further axial inward movement ofsaid container outlet portion so as to permit actuation of saidcontainer valve by applying an axial force to said outlet portion.
 5. Adispenser unit comprising, in combination, means for receiving apressurized container of a product to be dispensed, a plurality ofheating chambers and a heating unit operatively associated therewith,plural means for directing said product from said receiving means intoeach of said chambers, said directing means being arranged within saidreceiving means so as to be able to direct said product to all of saidchambers as well as to less than all of said chambers, and a productoutlet passage for each of said chambers, each of said passagesterminating in a product outlet.
 6. A product heater and dispenser unitcomprising, in combination, a container having a dispensing nozzle witha plurality of spaced-apart product outlet portions, at least one ofwhich has a product dispensing outlet therein, means for supporting saidcontainer in a position of use at least partially within said unit,nozzle receiving means for receiving at least part of the dispensingnozzle of said associated container, the nozzle-receiving means havingdifferent portions thereof positioned to register with respectivespaced-apart product outlet portions of the dispensing nozzle, pluralpassages individually extending from respective different portions ofsaid nozzle receiving means, means defining a plurality of heatingchambers to which said product may be directed, each of said passagesbeing in communication with a respective one of said chambers, heatgenerating means, heat storage means forming a part of each of saidheating chambers for supplying heat to products passing therethrough,and passages terminating in product outlet openings extending from saidheating chambers to the exterior of said dispensing unit for dispensinga heated product from said opening.
 7. A unit as defined in claim 6 inwhich said means for receiving said portion of said dispensing nozzlecomprises an axially extending bore Having at least one enlargeddiameter groove therein spaced axially apart from the inner end of saidbore.
 8. A unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said plurality of heatingchambers comprises three heating chambers.
 9. A unit as defined in claim6 wherein said heat storage means is in the form of a massive alumimumheat sink substantially surrounding said heat generating means.
 10. Aunit as defined in claim 6 wherein said passages extending from saidheating chambers to said outlet openings include at least one expansionchamber therein, said expansion chamber providing means for inducing thecondensation of vapor passing therethrough and for reducing thetemperature of said product passing therethrough.
 11. A dispenser unitas defined in claim 6 wherein said heat storage means is in the form ofa massive heat sink having upper and lower face portions and at leastone passage extending therethrough between said face portions, at leastparts of said upper and lower face portions and said opening formingportions of said heating chambers, whereby said product passing throughsaid heating chambers pass along and in contact with on both the upperand lower face portions of said heat sink.
 12. A dispenser unitcomprising, in combination, means for receiving a container of a productto be dispensed, a plurality of product heating chambers and a heatingunit operatively associated with said chambers, a product outlet passageextending from each of said chambers, each of said outlet passageshaving an end portion defining a product outlet, and means for directingproduct from said container receiving means to each of said chambers,each of said directing means having a portion thereof which is inregistry with a given portion of said container receiving means andbeing thereby adapted to direct product from said given portion of saidcontainer receiving means with which said directing means is in registryto said chamber associated with said directing means, said means forreceiving said portion of said container being in the form of an axiallyextending bore adapted to be subdivided into a plurality of separateareas by reception therein of a generally cylindrical dispenser nozzle,each of said areas being then associated in use with a predetermined oneof said directing means.
 13. A dispenser unit comprising, incombination, means for receiving a container of a product to bedispensed, a plurality of product heating chambers and a heating unitoperatively associated with said chambers, a product outlet passageextending from each of said chambers, each of said outlet passageshaving an end portion defining a product outlet, and means for directingproduct from said container receiving means to each of said chambers,each of said directing means having a portion thereof which is inregistry with a given portion of said container receiving means andbeing thereby adapted to direct product from said given portion of saidcontainer receiving means with which said directing means is in registryto said chamber associated with said directing means, said containerreceiving means being in the form of an axially extending bore, and atleast one of said directing means being in the form of a passage havinga portion thereon in registry with an axial end of said bore in whichsaid axial bore includes a groove therein of enlarged diameter andspaced axially apart from said end of said bore, and at least one otherof said directing means being in the form of a passage having a portionthereon in registry with an axial end of said bore in which said axialbore includes a groove therein of enlarged diameter and spaced axiallyapart from said end of said bore, and at least one other of saiddirecting means being in the form of a passage having a portion thereofin registry with said groove.
 14. A product unit comprising, incombination, means for receiving a container of a product to bedispensed, a plurality of product heating chambers and a heating unitoperative aSsociated with said chambers, a product outlet passageextending from each of said chambers, each of outlet passages having anend portion defining a product outlet and means for directing productfrom said container receiving means to each of said chambers, each ofsaid directing means having a portion thereof which is in registry witha given portion of said container receiving means and being therebyadapted to direct product from said given portion of said containerreceiving means with which said directing means is in registry to saidchamber associated with said directing means, said container outletreceiving portion being in the form of an axial bore defined by wallportions, in which said bore includes an annular groove of enlargeddiameter, said passage end associated with one of said chambers being inregistry with said groove, whereby said passage end will be placed ineffective communication with a dispensing outlet in said outlet portionwhich is in axial registry with said groove, regardless of the radialorientation of said outlet portion.
 15. A product heater and dispenserunit comprising, in combination, means for supporting a container in aposition of use at least partially within said unit, means for receivingat least a portion of the dispensing nozzle of said associatedcontainer, plural passages extending from different portions of saidnozzle receiving means, means defining a plurality of heating chambersto which said product may be directed, each of said passages being incommunication with one of said chambers, heat generating means, heatstorage means forming a part of each of said heating chambers forsupplying heat to products passing therethrough, and passagesterminating in product outlet openings extending from said heatingchambers to the exterior of said dispensing unit for dispensing a heatedproduct from said opening, said outlet openings being formed in areentrant portion extending into said heater and dispenser unit, saidreentrant opening being adapted to guide the hand of the user to aposition beneath said opening.
 16. A product heater and dispenser unitcomprising, in combination, means for supporting a container in aposition of use at least partially within said unit, means for receivingat least a portion of the dispensing nozzle of said associatedcontainer, plural passages extending from different portions of saidnozzle receiving means, means defining a plurality of heating chambersto which said product may be directed, each of said passages being incommunication with one of said chambers, heat generating means, heatstorage means forming a part of each of said heating chambers forsupplying heat to products passing therethrough, and passagesterminating in product outlet openings extending from said heatingchambers to the exterior of said dispensing unit for dispensing a heatedproduct from said opening, said dispenser unit including a base portionhaving a bottom wall with an opening therein, wherein means are providedfor energizing said heat generating means, and wherein said energizingmeans includes a connector assembly having two generally oppositelyaxially facing, stiff but resilient portions separated from each otherby a reduced diameter neck portion, and wherein said connector assemblyis disposed within said opening with said neck portion being in registrywith said opening, said connector assembly further including a meansresting on said wall and urging at least one of said axially facingportions of said connector assembly into snug engagement with a face ofsaid bottom wall portion.